Let me tell you about a ride we made to San Antonio last week, a ride that
was dedicated to a 22 year old Marine. It all started with the following
notice:
============================================================================
The Department of Defense announced today the death of a Marine who was
supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom: Lance Cpl. Stephen J. Perez, 22, of
San Antonio, Texas. Perez was killed due to enemy action in Al Anbar
Province, Iraq on April 13.  He was assigned to 1st Battalion, 1st
Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force,
Camp Pendleton, Calif.
============================================================================

The Patriot Guard Riders (PGR) motorcycle group responded immediately to the
call by posting a Rally Point for all Houston Riders - intersection of Highway
6 and I-10, at the Sam's Parking Lot. Time: 4 AM. They appointed a Ride Captain,
gave a weather report, and asked us to bring our US Flags. There were 9 riders
that rallied on that early Saturday morning. In Dallas, riders were gathering
at the Whataburger on I-35 at 1:00 AM, in Hillsboro they rallied at the McDonalds
on I-35 & HYW 22 at 2:00 AM, in Waco at the Harley Davidson's on I-35 at Exit 331
at 3:45 AM, in Austin at the Whataburger on I-35 at Exit 226B at 6:15 AM - there
were many others from the Valley, from west of San Antonio, and from every
location within driving distance of San Antonio.

There were over 150 motorcycles arriving at the HEB Parking Lot at the corner of
HYW 281 and Beltway 1604 in San Antonio at 7:00 AM. It was chilly and misty, it was
noisy and exciting, and it was the San Antonio Staging Area #1. After the riders
gathered in a circle for a safety briefing and a brief prayer, the Road Guards
blocked off HYW 281 and an 'endless' stream of riders headed south on 281 toward
San Antonio Staging Area #2, which was 2 miles from the Catholic Church conducting
the funeral. At this final rest stop, we unfurled our US Flags - both small and very
large flags mounted firmly on the back of our bikes. It was a sea of red, white, and
blue. It was a sea of caring soles riding their 'iron horses' on a PGR Mission to
honor a 22 year old Marine.

As we approached the church at 9AM, it was clear that they never expected over 150
motorcycles and the fleet of 'cages' that followed. The walkways around the church
were lined with riders standing silently holding US Flags - one after another, after
another. The family of the fallen hero looked in amazement - they cried, they shook
our hands and thanked everyone, and could not believe that we had all come to respect
their 'Stevie'.

While the church service was underway, about 30 of us were selected to be an advanced
group to go to the Sam Houston National Cemetery, where the burial was to begin at
11 AM. We formed a "tunnel of flags" to prepare for the honor guards, the hearse,
and the other 120 riders (with over 200 cars), that made up the funeral procession.

The News mobile crews were gathering at the Cemetery by now and we all waited for the
sound. There it was - the most beautiful sound and sight that I have ever seen. The
red, the white, the blue, and the rumble forced tears to your eyes. As that wonderful
group came through the tunnel of flags, a sense of patriotism and pride came over us.
The family arrived and walked through the tunnel to the ceremony tent and the tent was
totally embraced by flags - protecting that special tribute to Lance Cpl. Perez.

 Ricardo Alvarado, a family member, posted to the PGR website the following:

QUOTE
On 4/22/2006 I was standing in front of the chapel with Kenny (Stevie's brother) when I
heard a roar from a motorcycle. I thought to myself, it must be those handfull of people
that came to the viewing the night before and presented a plaque to Stevie's mom. I
thought how nice it was of them to return. I decided to take a look around the corner
to watch them pull in. As I turned the corner to look out towards the entrance my jaw
dropped, my heart swelled and my eyes filled with tears like never before-- as before
me, as far as I could see was as procession of not only those great people that joined
us the night before, but a few hundred more great people on their bikes with American
flags waving in the air.

I called Kenny to come see as he was unaware of the magnitude of your presence. As he
took a look, we both stood their and said,"Oh my God." After the initial shock we decided
to go down and meet you awesome people. He and I walked down the row shaking your hands
as I was just informed that some of you had left your homes as early as 1 am that morning
just to be there for Stevie. When I was told that, i could not even reply with a thank
you as I was trying to hold back the burst of tears that wanted release. As Kenny and I
walked down the row shaking hands I truly felt the sincerity of your words, I could see
it in your eyes and gestures, as many of you hugged us and had tears of your own for a
family and fallen soldier you had never met.

Let me start by saying that there is no way that I can ever thank you in a way that even
comes close to the magnitude of gratitude that we feel for your display of honor, respect,
patriotism, kindness, generosity, and sincerity shown to us and Stevie during this dark
day. You have reminded me of what it means to be a proud American as well as a caring
human being.
UNQUOTE

While it is true that the PGR was formed to protect funeral services from the cruel and
vulgar chants of random protestors - I have been on 4 PGR Missions and I have never even
seen a protestor. It does not matter anymore - the sleeping giant has been awoken and he
will continue to show respect and honor to America's fallen heroes - until there are no
more fallen heroes to honor.

As my wife and I were driving down Harry Wurzbach Rd, trying to find our way home, we
stopped a lady pushing a baby carriage, walking down the side-walk. Our large flag was
still waving from the cycle. We asked for directions and she was very helpful; but after
we thanked her and as we started to gun the engine she yelled to get our attention.

She said "who died today?  That was the largest funeral procession I have ever seen."
We explained it was for Lance Cpl. Perez a 22 year old Marine hero, recently killed in
Iraq. She acknowledged and continued to wait for more information. So I continued.
"We are part of a group from Houston who have come to pay our respects -- but there
are groups that left Dallas at 1AM to get here by 7AM this morning, there are groups
from Waco, Austin, San Antonio, and the Valley. We have come from all over Texas."

I paused to see if she wanted more information. She said nothing. Her face looked like
she was about to cry and she placed both hands over her face. There was nothing left
to say. I felt like doing it myself. I think it was a pretty good ride and a pretty
good day, all in all.